Vancouver Whitecaps management believe the number 1 selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft can become a world class player. The Whitecaps took 17-year old forward Omar Salgado with the overall first pick, surprising plenty of people who were adamant either Darlington Nagbe or Perry Kitchen would go at one.

But the Whitecaps are adamant that the former Chivas Guadalajara and current USA U20 man is the one with the most scope for development.

"Darlington Nagbe (picked at 2 by Portland Timbers) is a fantastic player and is also going to be a good player in this league but we're delighted that Omar was our first pick," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi.

"I don't think we've seen anything yet. He's a player that is very gifted."

Vancouver director of soccer operations Tom Soehn is of firm belief that Salgado can be a 'world class' competitor.

"He's the one guy I think can be world class," Soehn said. "He's got everything you can dream of that can be developed into a world-class striker."

And with all the positivity oozing from the Whitecaps management, the most surprised of all with the decision was perhaps Salgado himself.

"I was really amazed - I wasn't expecting it all," he said. "I knew Vancouver had interest in me, but I never thought [I'd go first overall].

"I'm very happy to be in Vancouver. I really love the city. The stadium is going to be amazing. The fans are going to be amazing."